Cockspur Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli
Last reviewed: September 2026
Cockspur Hawthorn is a thorny deciduous tree that blooms with white flowers from March through May. It grows best in full sun and tolerates low water once established.
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–360" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Cockspur Hawthorn is a native Texas tree that forms a broad, rounded canopy with distinctive horizontal branching. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and offers beautiful orange-red fall color before dropping its leaves.
Growing Cockspur Hawthorn
Grow Cockspur Hawthorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the persistent red berries provide food for birds through winter. This tree supports native wildlife while adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Common questions
- When does Cockspur Hawthorn bloom?
- Cockspur Hawthorn typically flowers in March, April, and May, producing small clusters of white blossoms before its fruit develops later in the season.
- What pollinators are attracted to Cockspur Hawthorn?
- Bees and butterflies commonly visit the flowers of Cockspur Hawthorn for nectar and pollen.
- How much water does Cockspur Hawthorn need?
- Once established, this tree tolerates low water and dry spells well, though it also handles average garden moisture without trouble.
- What growing conditions suit Cockspur Hawthorn best?
- It performs best in full sun but adapts to part sun or light part shade, and it tolerates a range of soil types found across its typical growing regions.
- Does Cockspur Hawthorn have thorns?
- Yes, it is known for long, sharp thorns along its branches, which is a defining feature of this hawthorn species and useful for hedgerow or barrier plantings.
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Cockspur Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cockspur Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cockspur Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Cockspur Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Cockspur Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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